HAL awaits Govt nod on LCH development

To be based on the existing Advanced Light Helicopter ALH Dhruv already in production, the LCH will have a narrower fuselage, tandem seats and twin French Turbomeca TM 333 2B2 engines.

Besides plans to scale up production of the ALH to 24 per year, HAL is also developing the Shakti engine 8212; an indigenous version of the Turbomeca engine used in ALH 8212; and expects certification by 2007.

Mohanty said today that HAL8217;s AJT was currently awaiting clearance from the Government and was being developed for combat roles as well. Unlike the 66 BAE Hawk AJTs being procured, Mohanty said the Indian AJT would be a twin-engine plane. HAL8217;s Intermediate Jet Trainer developed to replace the Kiran Mark II is expected to be inducted into the IAF by 2007. Moreover, HAL8217;s first of 140 license-produced Su-30MKIs is expected to roll out this financial year.

The HAL chairman revealed that the IAF is placing orders for eight limited series production LCAs. A meeting was held earlier this week where HAL made a representation to the IAF to increase its order further.